ALB | Albumin

Albumin – the main blood plasma protein, constituting about 60% of the total serum protein amount. It is synthesized in the liver and performs several important physiological functions: it maintains oncotic (colloidal-osmotic) pressure, which is necessary for fluid balance in the blood and tissues, and serves a transport function, carrying various substances in the blood.

Albumin binds with calcium, zinc, manganese, free fatty acids, bilirubin, hormones, medications, etc., so changes in its concentration can impact the interpretation of these substances' amounts. For example, a change in total calcium level can be misinterpreted if the current albumin concentration is not considered.

Test principle: The amount of albumin in the blood serum is determined using a biochemical method (most commonly the bromocresol green method). Results are presented in grams per liter (g/L).

Recommendations:

• It is recommended for assessing nutritional status, suspecting liver diseases, nephrotic syndrome, chronic inflammation, enteropathies, burns, as well as a supportive test for interpreting calcium or drug concentrations.
• Hypoalbuminemia (decreased albumin level) can be due to:

– Decreased synthesis: liver diseases, protein-deficient diet, malabsorption.

– Increased loss: nephrotic syndrome, enteropathies, burns.

– Altered distribution: ascites, inflammatory conditions.

• Hyperalbuminemia – rare, mostly occurs with severe dehydration or venostasis.
• Before the test, it is recommended to fast for 8–12 hours; avoid excessive fluid intake or physical exertion.
• Results are evaluated together with total protein amount, globulins, CRP, electrolytes, and other biochemical parameters.